We recently compiled a list of the 8 Best Scientific Instruments Stocks to Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR) stands against the other scientific instruments stocks.
A scientific instrument is a device or tool used for scientific purposes, including the study of natural phenomena and theoretical research. These instruments are designed to facilitate theoretical research and are utilized to measure, analyze, and verify the properties of materials and elements. Scientists have worked in laboratories equipped with an ever-evolving array of scientific instruments for hundreds of years. In the 1990s, benchtop automation devices spurred a surge in productivity and discoveries, further enhanced by computerized networking in the 2000s and 2010s. Today, most pharmaceutical companies’ R&D labs remain at this advanced stage, featuring sophisticated centrifuges and stations that have been instrumental in making significant health advancements.
The global scientific instrument market reached $44.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $67.5 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% during the period from 2024 to 2032. The primary driver of demand in the global scientific instrument market is the growth of the research and development sector. Additionally, increased collaboration between governments and manufacturers to equip government and university laboratories, as well as other research institutions, with the best instruments is expected to contribute to market growth. Furthermore, the integration of scientific instruments with computers enhances their functions, allows for parameter adjustments, and streamlines data sampling, collection, resolution, and analysis, thus further expanding the global demand for scientific instruments.
In addition, the scientific instruments market has been segmented into various categories. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the clinical analyzers segment is projected to generate the highest revenue from 2021 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of point-of-care testing devices and laboratory automation, as well as the rise in chronic conditions requiring clinical analyzers for diagnosis. Additionally, the research segment is anticipated to experience the fastest compound annual growth rate. This is due to the rising demand for scientific instruments in the research of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological diseases, along with the development of advanced instruments for research purposes.
Science heavily relies on technology, and without sophisticated instruments designed to meet the demands of experiments and test new or existing theories and models, scientific progress would stall. A prime example is the life sciences industry, which has produced groundbreaking innovations such as COVID-19 vaccines, cancer immunotherapies, glucose monitors, and pacemakers. Another emerging trend is the use of AI in laboratories. According to a report, the global life science analytics market size is projected to grow from $15.27 billion in 2023 to $43.86 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. Another growing trend comes in the form of Generative AI (gen AI), which is set to revolutionize nearly every aspect of the life sciences, and in turn, the scientific instruments sector. According to McKinsey, gen AI could create $60 billion to $110 billion in annual economic value for pharmaceutical and medtech companies, with $18 billion to $30 billion of that value coming from commercial functions alone.
With these details in mind, we will now take a look at the best scientific instruments stocks to buy.
Our Methodology
To compile the list of the best scientific instruments stocks to invest in, we focused on companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq that are involved in the scientific instruments industry. The stocks were ranked according to Insider Monkey’s database, which tracks 919 hedge funds as of the end of Q1 2024. The ranking is based on the ascending order of the number of hedge fund investors in each stock. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple, our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy picks 14 small and large-caps every quarter and it has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
A radiation oncologist overseeing the delivery of radiation therapy to a patient.
Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24
Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR) provides an extensive array of products and services for the detection, measurement, analysis, and monitoring of radiation. The company operates through two primary segments: Medical and Industrial, each specializing in distinct areas. Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR) serves a diverse clientele, including healthcare facilities, research laboratories, military organizations, reactor design firms, and nuclear power plants.
In April, Citi reaffirmed its Buy rating and $14.00 price target for Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR), indicating confidence in the company’s future growth prospects. The firm believes that Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR) stands to benefit from increased orders and a robust year-end backlog from the nuclear sector, potentially enhancing its first-quarter 2024 revenues and earnings. Citi also expects improved operational execution to contribute to expanded profit margins for Mirion.
In addition, May brought more good news to Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR) as the company reported its first-quarter earnings, posting an EPS of $0.06, which met analyst expectations, while its revenue for the quarter reached $192.6 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $189.39 million.
As of the end of the first quarter of 2024, 24 hedge funds out of the 919 funds tracked by Insider Monkey had stakes in Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR). Leon Cooperman’s Omega Advisors emerged as the company’s largest shareholder as it owns a $85.42 million stake in MIR.
Meridian Small Cap Growth Fund stated the following regarding Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:
“Mirion Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:MIR), a global leader in ionizing radiation measurement and detection, provides mission-critical and, in many cases, lifesaving technologies within the industrial (nuclear power) and medical (nuclear medicine and radiation therapy) sectors. Our investment in Mirion is predicated on three primary factors. First, the company operates in industries with strong secular trends. Second, approximately 75% of the company’s revenues are recurring or replacement, providing valuable transparency and predictability. Finally, the company competes in relatively fragmented markets, which leads to higher switching costs and strong pricing power. During the quarter, the stock advanced as the company reported 17% organic growth, significantly better than expected. The report added to investors’ confidence that growth may exceed management’s previously stated full-year revenue guidance of between 6-8%. We also have been encouraged by management’s disciplined capital allocation decisions, as the company has selectively acquired high-quality companies at attractive prices, while at the same time reducing leverage on its balance sheet. During the quarter, we maintained our position in Mirion and will continue to monitor valuation closely from here.”
Overall MIR ranks 8th on our list of the best scientific instruments stocks to buy. You can visit 8 Best Scientific Instruments Stocks to Buy to see the other scientific instruments stocks that are on hedge funds’ radar. While we acknowledge the potential of MIR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MIR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.